After being forced to retire early because of a trauma injury on the job, I had to not only physically, but mentally rebuild myself.

Choosing me came at a great cost- personally, emotionally, and, most of all, mentally. To many, it may have seemed like a selfish choice, especially because they had grown accustomed to the version of me whose default setting was always, "Your needs before mine." Over time, I disappeared- I was no longer okay with simply being okay- I wanted more for myself- It wasn't until recently that I realized choosing me wasn't selfish- it was necessary. Necessary for my emotional well-being, for my future, and for the kind of mother, friend, and career-driven woman I want to be- A woman who no longer feels the need to apologize for her ambitions, her growth, or the space she takes up- Choosing myself wasn't the end of caring for others. It was the beginning of finally caring for myself, too.

Choosing myself did not mean I stopped loving others; it meant I finally stopped abandoning myself. My healing began the moment I realized my peace, purpose, and future were also worthy of protection.

After some painful changes in my life, I made the decision to pour into myself and the business I was building. I'm still on the journey of healing, but each day I'm learning that I am enough, I am worthy, and choosing myself isn't selfish. It's necessary.

The moment I chose myself was when I stopped shrinking my goals to make others comfortable. I realized that protecting my peace, honoring my worth, and pursuing the life I wanted wasn't selfish. It was the foundation for everything better that came after.

Imagine seeing a person take 100 papers in their hand and throwing it up in the air and all the papers fall all over the place… Sometimes you have to make that choice of letting go. And it's OK because after everything is out your hand, you can then specifically CHOOSE what's best, what serves you, what you should pick up, and what you should leave on the floor.

I chose myself the moment I realized healing wasn't about waiting for someone else to change. It was about becoming the person I wanted my children to watch become. Every uncomfortable decision since then has been an investment in my peace, my purpose, and a future that reflects who I am instead of what I've been through.

It is Okay to want more! Because wanting more isn't selfish. It's stewardship. It's honoring the gifts you've been given. Give yourself permission to want more, and allow yourself to reach for it! Never let anyone tell you to sacrifice your growth. Stand up, look in the mirror, and remember: it is always okay to want more.

There came a point when I realized I could no longer build a life around everyone else's expectations while ignoring what I needed. As I started choosing myself in every area of my life, I found the courage to build a business that reflects my values. One that gives me the freedom to prioritize my well-being while doing meaningful work and creating lasting community impact.